Post by on Jun 16, 2008 22:10:25 GMT

'Everything' you hear and see in the lodge you are not allowed to discuss outside the lodge eg awarded passwords at the end of your degrees. Its just a matter of tradition coming from stonemasons' crafts.

Post by maat on Jun 17, 2008 0:46:01 GMT

What Russell says! Totally agree.

The sign did not originate with Masonry - what we know of as the Sign of Silence is also known as the Sign of Harpocrates, who was a son of Isis, and is known as the 'God of Silence'. He is said by some to represent the Higher Self and is the 'Holy Guardian Angel'

As the Higher Self, he is that part of us that is still partaking of the heavenly rapture, silent rapture, speech being impossible. One can see that the sign, rather than being a warning not to talk, is equally a promise that we will sooner or later, reach that stage where we will no longer want to.

The five petalled rose has been used as a sign for silence. The five petals usually indicate the four elements and the Akasa or Spirit which underlies the four - again we have here the outer signs and the inner spirit or life indicated.

The original images of the sign of Harpocrates look more like a very young and innocent child with his finger to his mouth, rather than a stern warning to keep the lips sealed and some think that later images have been miscontrued.

I guess the young child, uneducated to the outer world, would still hear the inner voice, whereas the adult with the outer world clamouring all about him needs to 'be still', to have silence, to hear that same inner voice.

Post by maat on Jun 17, 2008 0:50:04 GMT

'AVDI VIDE TACE'

HEAR - the instructionSEE - the challenge (world around you)BE SILENT - if you would hear the voice from the centre of your being who will guide you through the challenge successfully. (..the point from which you cannot err).

Post by Tamrin on Jun 17, 2008 8:32:22 GMT

The Statue of Silence was the first important commission for an original work of artreceived by the young sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907).The statue was moved from the New York City Lodgeto the Masonic Care Community of New York in 1922.

S & F, Philip Carter / The Quarry / If there is anything in the universe that can't stand discussion, let it crack (Wendell Phillips)

Also interesting are the 4 so called 'animals' i.e., Leo, Bos, Homo, and Aguila.

"a cross quarterly of the fourth and vert, between, in the first quarter, a lion rampant of the third, in the second, an ox passant sable, in the third, a man with hands elevated proper, vested of the fifth, the robe crimson lined with ermine, and in the fourth an eagle displayed also of the third:"

These 4 figures can also be seen on the last(?) tarot card 'The World' at each corner.

Did an 'image' search with the words 'Audi Vide Tace', and found a nice photo:

Post by imakegarb on Jun 17, 2008 17:58:12 GMT

--Bro. Karen, 3°DISCLAIMER: I am not authorized to speak for my Obedience but am happy to offer personal opinions and observations. An authorized spokesperson for my Obedience may be contacted at the offices in Larkspur, CO.

Post by maat on Jun 17, 2008 22:35:06 GMT

Imake, the image at the end of your link reminded me of the the words "Hmnnn, now let me see", (as does Tamrin's image when I take another look at it) then a thought of the All Seeing Eye popped in to my head.

Post by maat on Jun 17, 2008 23:03:01 GMT

Hmnn - an old dream(event) just popped into my head as well. In the dream I was walking in a city centre park where I met up with an aunt whom I knew to be dead, she had just walked out of an aviary. I was as surprised in the dream about this as I would have been in waking life. It was then that a black bird came down and sat on my left shoulder, it whispered in my ear "Be still, and listen".

My gut feeling is that the silence is for the listening. You hear the words but are you listening to what they say.

omni: In my Lodge the Secretary is a hugh bully along with control issues. if anyone even asks a question he files masonic charges against them. He controls members mostly because they are afraid of him.Apr 16, 2018 1:07:49 GMT

foriamhim: To omni: Grow some balls, that lodge is yours as well as every member in that lodge. If you are right, its not your problem. Nobody likes the ugliness of masonic charges. Light will always illuminate darkness, don't be afraid, be a better man. May 27, 2018 15:37:09 GMT*

foriamhim: Oh, I am a new member and just wanted to say hi...May 27, 2018 15:39:10 GMT